In my experience we often detect and identify Ant-M be the Gel technique automated or manual. However, my understanding is that the only way to determine the thermal reactivity range of the anti-M is by repeating the tests in tubes at 4°C, RT and 37°C. If the anti-M does not react at 37°C (in tubes) then cross-match compatible blood can be issued. If the anti-M reacts at 37°C then M antigen negative blood should be cross-matched and issued. Pre-warming cells, sera, gel cassette, reagents etc. does not work well, if at all with anti-M. The anti-M binds to the M antigen on the cells too strongly to disassociate during the incubation stage of the gel cassette. I have also been lead to believe that the gels are slightly acidic which increases the strength of the reaction between anti-M and M antigen. In practice we refer all new anti-M samples to our local RCI laboratory for confirmation of the thermal range of the antibody. Regards Steve :)